Abstract
Factor Xa (FXa) inhibitors are widely used for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, and for the treatment and prevention of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Compared with warfarin, individual FXa inhibitors are associated with a lower risk of major bleeding. Nevertheless, bleeding remains a feared complication of any anticoagulant therapy. Despite their demonstrated safety, implementation of FXa inhibitors in clinical practice may have been limited by the lack of a specific antidote. Recently, however, the United States Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency approved andexanet alfa for reversal of anticoagulation in patients treated with rivaroxaban or apixaban who have life-threatening or uncontrolled bleeding. This review will discuss andexanet alfa's mode of action, indication for use and efficacy, with a focus on its appropriate use in clinical practice. Unnecessary usage should be prevented as this may compromise patient safety. Assessment of potentially suitable patients by a multidisciplinary team, use according to the institutional protocol and central storage, all contribute to proper use of andexanet alfa. A practical tool to direct appropriate use of andexanet alfa is proposed.